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Gluten-Free Mexican Wedding Cookies


Alright, let’s talk about cookies – specifically, those melt-in-your-mouth, buttery, nutty treats known as Mexican Wedding Cookies (also called Polvorones or Russian Tea Cakes). These delightful cookies are seriously addictive! I remember the first time I tried one at a holiday party; I think I ate about five before I even realized what was happening. They're that good! They have a festive and comforting quality, like a sweet little hug in a bite-sized package.

These cookies are not only utterly delicious, but they're also naturally gluten-free-ish! To ensure they are completely gluten-free for everyone, it's essential to use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. This recipe is crafted specifically to achieve that perfect, crumbly, and delicate texture that makes these cookies so irresistible. Our goal is not just to make good cookies; we want to create amazing ones. I'm talking about the ideal balance of buttery richness and nutty flavor, all beautifully dusted with a snowy coating of powdered sugar. Are you ready to bring some sweet magic to your kitchen? Let’s get baking!

The Perfect Melt: Gluten-Free Mexican Wedding Cookies

Gather your ingredients, because we’re about to make delightful cookies! This recipe is straightforward, and a few tips will help you achieve the perfect texture.


Ingredients You’ll Need:


Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar using either a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a light and tender cookie, so take your time! We're aiming for a fluffy, buttery mixture here.

  2. Add the Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract. Give it a quick mix until it’s well combined. That vanilla adds a subtle warmth to the cookies that makes them even more special.

  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ground almonds, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which will help with the texture of our cookies.

  4. Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. We're looking for it to come together, not turn into a tough, overworked ball. Overmixing is a common culprit in dense cookies. A silicone spatula can be your best friend to help scrape the edges and make sure everything gets mixed in.

  5. Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is important because it allows the dough to firm up, which will make it much easier to handle. Trust me, a chilled dough will be less of a sticky mess when you’re trying to roll out your cookies.

  6. Shape the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Roll out the dough using a rolling pin to about ½-inch thickness. Cut out cookies using small cookie cutters. I like classic rounds, but you can use any shape you love! Gather the scraps, roll them out, and keep going. You can also roll the dough into small 1-inch balls if you prefer! Place the shaped cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  7. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden brown. The cookies might still feel a bit soft to the touch, but they will firm up as they cool. Avoid over-baking as they can get dry. Use a baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

  8. Coat in Powdered Sugar: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, generously roll each cookie in powdered sugar. I recommend doing it twice: once while still warm (but cooled down for a few minutes), and a second time after they’ve cooled completely. This creates that beautiful, thick coating.


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Tips & Tricks for Cookie Perfection

  • Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is properly softened, but not melted. If it’s too warm, your dough will be greasy.

  • Almond Flour: For the best flavor and texture, use finely ground almond flour or almond meal. You can also use other types of nuts such as finely ground pecans.

  • Flavor Boost: Add a tiny pinch of cardamom or cinnamon for a warm and aromatic flavor twist. A splash of almond extract also elevates the flavor profile.

  • Even Baking: To ensure the cookies bake evenly, use the same size cookies. Space them evenly on a baking sheet.

  • Presentation: These cookies look beautiful piled high on a pretty platter. Dust them generously with powdered sugar just before serving to give them an extra snowy look. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on the serving platter will enhance the snowy effect even more! You can even tie a ribbon around a stack of these and give them away as a festive gift, just pack them into a cute cookie container.


Recipe Card: Gluten-Free Mexican Wedding Cookies

Yields: About 24 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

  • ½ cup granulated sugar

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • 2 ¼ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend

  • ½ cup finely ground almonds

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

  1. Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy.

  2. Mix in vanilla extract.

  3. Whisk together dry ingredients.

  4. Gradually add dry to wet, and mix until just combined.

  5. Chill dough for 30 minutes.

  6. Roll out the dough, cut it into shapes, or shape it into 1-inch balls, and place it on a baking sheet.

  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until lightly golden.

  8. Let cool and roll generously in powdered sugar.

There you have it, my friends! These gluten-free Mexican Wedding Cookies are delightfully crumbly, buttery, and nutty, making them perfect for any occasion. I’m excited for you to try them! Please let me know in the comments how your cookies turned out and what variations you tried. Happy baking!


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